Appeals Policy
Fair, transparent route to challenge decisions on clear grounds and timelines.
Effective: 13 October 2025 · Next review: October 2026
Purpose & Scope
- Provide a clear process for learners to challenge decisions where they believe an error has occurred.
- Applies to assessment decisions, admissions outcomes, and procedural matters for Estudyquals‑facilitated provision.
- Where a programme is delivered/awarded by a partner institution, their appeal rules and timelines take precedence.
Grounds for Appeal
- Procedural error: the published policy or process was not followed.
- Bias or unfair treatment: evidence of prejudice or conflict of interest.
- New material evidence: significant information not reasonably available at the time, which could affect the outcome.
Disagreement with academic judgement alone is not a ground for appeal.
Stages & Timelines
- Informal query (within 5 working days)
Raise the issue with your assessor or Admissions for clarification. - Formal appeal (within 10 working days)
Submit a written appeal with grounds and evidence to the Quality Lead. - Review panel (within 15 working days)
Independent panel reviews documentation and may invite a meeting. - Outcome issued (normally within 5 working days of panel)
Decision communicated in writing with reasons and any actions. - Further route (if applicable)
For partner‑awarded programmes, external routes (e.g., awarding body) may be available.
Working days exclude weekends and public holidays. Timelines may be adjusted for complexity or availability; you will be informed.
Submitting an Appeal
- State the ground(s) you are appealing under and the decision you seek.
- Attach supporting evidence (emails, policies, medical/official notes, marked work, reports).
- Use the subject line “Appeal – [Your Name] – [Programme/Module]”.
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Appeal upheld | Decision amended; re‑marking or process rerun; result updated as appropriate. |
| Appeal partially upheld | Specific aspect corrected; limited adjustments applied. |
| Appeal not upheld | Original decision stands; reasons provided and next steps (if any) indicated. |
All decisions are recorded; actions are monitored to completion.
Record‑keeping & Reporting
- Appeal cases are logged securely with outcomes and actions.
- Trends inform quality enhancement and staff development.
- Anonymised summaries may be shared with partners/awarding bodies as required.
Related Policies
Version Control
Owner: Quality Lead · Effective: 13 October 2025 · Next review: October 2026